By Danny Mequet (dmequet@churchoftheking.com)

A few days ago I was asked by a good friend of mine what my growth strategy is as a leader. While there are several different things that I intentionally do to continue to develop myself, there is no doubt in my mind that it is my relationship with Christ that is my source. As I look back over my life, I credit my dad and one of my former youth pastors, Shane Harris, for helping me understand the importance of developing my personal relationship with Christ. Throughout my junior high and high school years I remember my dad would be sitting on the couch in our living room reading his Bible and praying every morning when I got up for school at 6 am. It was through his constant example that spoke so loudly to me of the importance of developing the habit of connecting with God everyday. Shane was a great youth pastor of mine when I was a skinny 14 year old kid trying to figure out life. Shane was an intense guy who was a former college linebacker, so needless to say he had my respect if for no other reason he was twice my size! I remember that every time I saw him he would ask me if I’d been praying and reading my Bible. In order to be able to truthfully tell him, “Yes” I would make sure I spent time with God on a regular basis. Whether or not I did this with the right motive doesn’t matter. What matters is that as I continued to connect with God I began to grow in my relationship with Him.

It is a personal relationship with God that will allow you to grow in godly character (Romans 5:3-4), your God-given purpose (Romans 12:2) and passion for others (Matthew 22:39). It is these three areas that are critical to develop as a godly leader, and it is only through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ that these qualities will be found.

By pursuing growth in your relationship with Christ you will continue to build the foundation upon which God will be able to trust you with more leadership opportunities.
Questions for reflection:
• What are you currently doing to improve yourself as a godly leader?
• What are you currently doing to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ?
• How have you seen your influence with others grow as your relationship with Jesus has grown?